Eleggua

Eleggua is the messenger of the gods, compared to the Greek Hermes or the Roman god Mercury in many ways. Eleggua's main function is toopen the lines of communications between Olodumare, the creator, and human beings and other Orishas. He is a great storyteller. He seems to be everywhere, to know everything and yet he is not above pulling pranks, especially it it helps him to make a particular point. In the Yoruba tradition Eleggua is more than Hermes was to the Greeks or Mercury to the Romans, though they are very similar in character. He is the first Orisha honored in all ceremonies. He is also the trickster Orisha: one of his jobs is to test man and his will and determination by causing trouble man must overcome.

Eleggua is beyond good and evil and he is justice personified. He has twenty one aspects. His number is three and his colors are black and red. Monday is his day. Eleggua is identified with fate and people make him offferings of candies, cigars and rum. Eleggua is the Owner of the Crossroads as well as the master of every head. He is also known as Eshu. In Santeria Eleggua guards the home against all dangers, thus many santeros keep his image by the front door. Eleggua is always justified in what he does, although his actions are hard to understand at times for mere humans. He just knows what nobody else knows and always acts according to his perfect judgment.

Eleggua's beads are red and black and they symbolize life and death, the begginning and the end, war and peace and one and the other. His children are intelligent and sharp. They are usually very suscessful in life due to their lack of scruples.

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